reeds
Buying reeds
Finding a reed which suits you and your set up is crucial: reeds that are too hard /soft, too short/long or too buzzy/muffled can make playing the Contra a less than enjoyable experience. There are many reeds available now thanks to the online marketplace: in the UK shops such as howarthlondon.com, doublereed.co.uk and crookandstaple.com each stock 4 different styles/makers varying in price from about £18 to £32. Some players sell their reeds directly – Fraser Gordon from the RPO for example who sells his reeds on contrareeds.com. Janet Bloxwich (Scottish Opera) also sells directly – use the contact page if you want to try her reeds and I will put you in touch.
Making reeds
Because Contra reeds tend to last much longer than bassoon reeds (months and sometimes years!), it is often easier to purchase them. However, if you want to have a go at making them yourself, information about reed-making can be found in the books and tutors section above. There is also a useful chapter in the Bassoon Reed Manual (about Lou Skinner’s techniques) by James R. Mackay but you will need to study this in depth to understand the names he gives the different processes he uses. Contacting a Contra reed maker in the first instance would save much time and unnecessary expense.
A note on orchestral tuning
Inevitably the Contra often has the lowest note in a wind chord. Providing a stable note for the rest of the section to build on is important, but be prepared to change if asked. In general notes are easier to sharpen than flatten, so having a bass that errs on the sharp side (without raising the pitch of the entire orchestra) might be a good strategy. Playing bang in tune would be even better!